Pregnancy massage is a specifically adapted treatment, tailored to suit expecting mothers. It uses more gentle and soothing techniques than standard massage, aiming to ease pains and facilitate relaxation.
As with a standard massage, you’ll be asked to position yourself in a comfortable position for the areas of the body we work on. This will mostly be done whilst lying on your left side, but may also be done in a seated position, particularly in the later stages of pregnancy. We will use extra cushions and bolsters to ensure you are comfortable throughout your appointment. Extra towels/ blankets will also be used to ensure you are warm and comfortable.
We are happy for you to bring your partner along to your appointments should you wish to.
Benefits of Pregnancy Massage
There is limited evidence to prove the benefits of massage during pregnancy, as testing and research on pregnant women is usually avoided on ethical ground. Meaning most of the evidence we have is anecdotal. However, the potential benefits can include:
- Mind and body relaxation
- Gently ease muscle aches and pains
- Reduction in anxiety
- Improved sleep
- Reduction of ankle and feet swelling
The NHS states that pregnancy massage is a safe complementary therapy that can be used during pregnancy. Many spas/ clinics/ therapists do not allow massage during the first trimester. This is because the risk of miscarriages is higher during this period. There is no evidence linking massage to miscarriages. However, many choose to wait until the pregnancy has reached the second trimester before having pregnancy massage treatments.
Potential Contradictions
As with standard massage treatments , there are contradictions and precautions that must be considered when it comes to a pregnancy massage. Below is a partial list of common conditions which are considered contradictions for pregnancy massage therapy. You must make us aware of these, or any other conditions that would make massage unsafe during pregnancy.
- High-risk pregnancy (determined by a health care practitioners)
- Previous pre-term labour or miscarriage
- Severe morning sickness
- Fever
- Abdominal pain, bleeding or any unusual vaginal discharge
- Pre-eclampsia
- High blood pressure
- Heart palpitations
- Blood clots
- Severe headaches/ changes in vision
- Diabetes
Consent to treat
Before your pregnancy massage, we will require further consent in order to determine that it is safe for us to treat. Please fill out the following form to help us to determine this.
https://syfmassage.co.uk/form-view/5